Hellpointhas been released and it is hard to say that it doesn’t remind everyone of the infamousDark Soulsseries with its dark atmosphere and tough combat design that leaves players frustrated but always coming back for more punishment.
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This time the punishment comes through a sci-fi/fantasy concept that players have found somewhat interesting. Much likeDark Souls,Hellpointfeatures the ability to play how you want whether that would be magic or physical attack. It’s a fresh look into an actionRPG format,but that doesn’t meanDark Soulsisn’t still the king.
10Hellpoint - Jumping
Hellpoint, like other action RPGs that have been compared toDark Souls, allows players to jump and adds the challenge verticality to the game. This concept is great and something that would be nice to see inDark Souls. Sure, you get that little running jump inDark Soulsthat allows you to traverse the map, but it isnothing comparedto what it is actually like to jump and maneuver around objects. LikeSekiro,Hellpointbrings jumping into the equation and it doesn’t hurt.
9Dark Souls - Combat
Dark Soulsis perhaps the king when it comes to combat. Every aspect of the combat is finely tuned and fair even when it feels like you are getting your rear end handed to you by every enemy.Hellpointsversion of combat feels a little clunky and lacks the smooth style thatDark Soulshas perfected over the years. It almost feels likeDark Soulsreally is the king of the action RPGcombat styleamong other games that have tried the formula.
8Hellpoint - Atmosphere
Dark Soulshas always had a dark atmosphere that fans have enjoyed, butHellpoint’satmosphere does a good job of bringing the dark back toDark Souls. It has darkened hallways and creepy areas that really bring out the feel of an abandoned ship in space.The atmosphereofHellpointis similar toDead SpaceandDoom. Over the years,Dark Soulshas had a somewhat lighter-styled atmosphere with some notable exceptions, butHellpointreally shows off the darkness well and it fits with the theme that the game presents.
7Dark Souls - Magic
Hellpointlacks the ability to use magic except when wielding specific weapons. This isn’t a problem inDark Souls. Magic inDark Soulsis much easier and versatile than inHellpoint. Place a few points into intelligence and you are good to go as long as you have a staff.
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You can even use pyromancies if you have the pyromancer’s flame. InHellpoint, you are bound to the specific abilities of the catalyst you are using which makes gameplay more difficult and takes away the versatility that you have in other soulslike games.
6Hellpoint - Demons
One of the mechanics inHellpointrequires players to use the observatory. Twice a day the eyes in the observatory will align. This brings new enemies into the world that players can challenge. These enemies are more difficult thanstandard enemiesfound in the world and offer good rewards for defeating them. This mechanic brings in a degree of unpredictability into the world ofHellpointthat makes the game feel more alive.
5Dark Souls - Multiplayer Functionality
TheDark Soulsformula for multiplayer is something that is tried and true and works for the setting that it takes place in. It has a simplistic feel to it that makes it easy for any player to grasp and use within a short time of playing the game.Hellpointhas a multiplayer as well that is abit trickierto figure out and requires a matching code to enter co-op with someone. Once they are in, it feels a little weird.Hellpointfeels like it was meant for more singleplayer people than multiplayer.Dark Soulshas always had amazing PVP and Co-op which is why it still stands true that it would be better thanHellpoint’s.
4Hellpoint - Interactable Environment
Hellpointhas multiple alternate routes to get to places within the map and environmental puzzles. This helps the game to feelmore mysteriousand gives players more of a reason to explore. You can find secret switches and elevators that will take you to other parts of the map as well.Dark Soulshas a version of this with illusory walls, but it is nothing compared to the necessity to always be checking around for multiple ways to interact with the environment around you like inHellpoint.
3Dark Souls - Bosses
Dark Soulsbosses are the ultimate test of skill for many players.They are difficult, yet fair, and can easily be killed if you are skilled (or overpowered) enough. Everyone remembers their first encounter with aDark Soulsboss no matter if they started off withDark Souls 3or the original.
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Each boss is memorable and challenging in their own way.Hellpointhas multiple bosses as well, but they don’t come off as memorable and instead feel more like an obstacle in your path as you attempt to get to more areas of the map.
2Hellpoint - Leveling System
The leveling system inHellpointis pretty basic, but that is what makes it good. It doesn’t have a million attributes to try out and work with to make your character great. It has a little bit of everything to help keep the game going and allow you to use weapons.Dark Soulstends to use a lot more attributes andattribute combinationswith weapons that can make switching up playstyles later on in the game harder.Hellpointdoesn’t overcomplicate things and sticks to attributes that directly involve the weapons you will want to use.
1Dark Souls - Weapon/Armor Diversity
Dark Soulsgames are filled withweapons, armor,rings, and consumables that all come in handy when traversing the various locations.Dark Soulsgames have always had large pools of items for players to use to customize how they want to play.Hellpointdoes offer different weapons and armors in the game, but not at the varying degree thatDark Soulsdoes. WithDark Soulsyou truly get to customize your character however you want from the start of the game all the way to the end.
